For Immediate Release:
June 12, 2013
Senators Named to Interim Committee
on Medicaid Transformation and Reform

JEFFERSON CITY – Senators during the 2013 regular session set in place a plan to create a committee that would meet during the time between the most recent and next legislative sessions to discuss the issue of Medicaid expansion and reform in the Show-Me State.

The 10-member Senate Interim Committee on Medicaid Transformation and Reform will meet throughout the interim to:

  • Develop ways to prevent fraud and abuse in the MO HealthNet system;
  • Give advice on more efficient and cost-effective ways to provide coverage for MO HealthNet participants;
  • Evaluate how coverage for MO HealthNet participants can resemble commercially available health plans while complying with federal Medicaid requirements;
  • List possibilities for promoting healthy behavior by encouraging patients to take ownership of their health care and seek early preventative care;
  • Share ways in which to provide incentives, including a shared risk and savings to health plans and providers to encourage cost-effective delivery of care; and
  • Examine how individuals can transition current medical care coverage through MO HealthNet in order to obtain their health coverage through the private sector. 

Membership to the Senate Interim Committee on Medicaid Transformation and Reform include Sen. Gary Romine, R-Farmington (chair); Sen. David Sater, R-Cassville (vice chair); Sen. Dan Brown, R-Rolla; Sen. Doug Libla, R-Poplar Bluff; Sen. Rob Schaaf, R-St. Joseph; Sen. Wayne Wallingford, R-Cape Girardeau; Sen. Jay Wasson, R-Nixa; Sen. Joseph Keaveny, D-St. Louis; Sen. Paul LeVota, D-Independence; and Sen. Jamilah Nasheed, D-St. Louis.

The committee is required to share its findings and give its recommendations to the Missouri General Assembly by Dec. 15, 2013.

To read more about this interim committee or other committees in the Missouri Senate, visit www.senate.mo.gov and hover over the “Committees” tab.